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This Week in Theatre: Previews for Plays Taking Place March 11-17, 2025

originally published: 03/11/2025

Here are previews of plays taking place from March 11-17, 2025 including a look at productions currently being presented and those coming soon. New Jersey Stage covers Equity, community, college, and high school theatre. Check back every week for the weekly theatre preview. Click on the title to go to the full preview. Jump to Featured Events, Event Previews, Event Listings, Coming Soon.

Send press releases to info@newjerseystage.com to have your events previewed at New Jersey Stage. There is no cost for preview articles. Featured listings are found in the NJ Stage calendar, reserved for advertisers, and provided with individual event pages for every performance. Event pages are also available for $10 per event (multiple performances count as a single event). Event pages are also included with every banner ad purchase. Banner ads run from $50-$100 for a full month of coverage.

FEATURED EVENTS

American Theater Group presents "Purlie"  (RAHWAY, NJ) -- Broadway veteran Kenny Ingram will direct American Theater Group's (ATG) production of the exhilarating and Tony Award-winning musical Purlie, running March 6-23, 2025, at Hamilton Stage in Rahway. Gary Mitchell, Jr. will provide Musical Direction. Purlie is the 1970 musical adaptation of Ossie Davis's comedic play Purlie Victorious, which just completed a hugely successful revival on Broadway last season.

McCarter Live at the Library: What is the Science of Love?  (PRINCETON, NJ) -- McCarter Theatre Artistic Director Sarah Rasmussen and creatives from Legacy of Light take the audience behind the scenes as they discuss the upcoming McCarter Theatre production at the Princeton Public Library on Tuesday, March 11, 2025. The event runs from 7:00pm to 8:30pm in the Community Room.




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OCC Repertory Theatre Company presents "Amadeus" at Grunin Center  (TOMS RIVER, NJ) -- The Ocean County College Repertory Theatre Company will present Peter Shaffer's Tony Award-winning play, Amadeus, on March 14-16 and March 21-23, 2025. Performances will take place in the Black Box Theater (Building 11B) at the Grunin Center for the Arts, located on the main campus of Ocean County College.

Axelrod Performing Arts Center presents "Beautiful: The Carole King Musical"  (DEAL PARK, NJ) -- The Axelrod Performing Arts Center is pleased to announce the full casting for Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, the first show of its 2025 season. Beautiful begins performances on March 14 and runs through April 6, 2025.

Jersey Arts TV: Friends, Romans, Countrymen – Come See 'Julius Caesar' at the Ritz Theatre Co  This March, the Ritz Theatre Co takes a modern-esque approach to the Bard in a classic tale that never seems to age.

EVENT PREVIEWS

"The Jonathan Larson Project" to Have World Premiere in NYC  (NEW YORK, NY) -- Richard Frankel, Tom Viertel, Steven Baruch, and Marc Routh proudly announce the world premiere of The Jonathan Larson Project, a new musical that celebrates the dozens of unheard songs, unfinished and unproduced musicals, and pop songs found in files and boxes when the visionary writer of RENT died suddenly at the age of 35 in 1996. Conceived by Jennifer Ashley Tepper and directed by John Simpkins, The Jonathan Larson Project features more than 20 undiscovered songs by the Pulitzer and Tony Award-winning writer.

Luna Stage presents "A Case for the Existence of God"  (WEST ORANGE, NJ) -- Luna Stage presents the NY Drama Critics' Circle award-winner for Best Play, A Case for the Existence of God by Samuel D. Hunter from February 20 - March 16, 2025. Directed by Luna Artistic Director Ari Laura Kreith, this is a heartrending yet hopeful play about two men’s parallel desires to build a secure foundation for their families.




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Chatham Community Players presents the family-friendly musical, "You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown"  (CHATHAM, NJ) -- The Chatham Community Players invites you to "relive your childhood" with the family-friendly musical, You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown, based on the comic strip Peanuts by Charles M. Schulz, Book, Music, and Lyrics by Clark Gesner. This feel-good production will run from February 28 through March 15, 2025. Directed & choreographed by Matt Muccigrossi with music direction by Eric Van Hoven.

South Camden Theatre Company presents "Hollywood, Nebraska" by Kenneth Jones  (CAMDEN, NJ) -- South Camden Theatre Company kicks off their 2025 season with Hollywood, Nebraska by Kenneth Jones weekends from February 28 through March 16, 2025. In the play, two forty-something actresses have returned to their dying hometown in the Great Plains of Nebraska.

Music Mountain Theatre presents the family favorite musical "Fiddler on the Roof"  (LAMBERTVILLE, NJ) -- Music Mountain Theatre presents 16 performances of Fiddler on the Roof from February 28 through March 23, 2025. Rich with musical hits like "Tradition," "Sunrise, Sunset," "If I Were a Rich Man," and "Matchmaker, Matchmaker," Fiddler on the Roof is the heart-warming story of life, love and laughter among fathers and daughters, husbands and wives.

Premiere Stages at Kean University Announces 2025 Bauer Boucher Playwriting Award Winners  (UNION, NJ) -- Premiere Stages, the professional theatre company in residence at Kean University, has named Kean University student Tyler Sautner (Class of '25) and alumna Megan Tobias (Class of '19) as the winners of the 2025 Bauer Boucher Playwriting Awards, named for longtime donors W. John Bauer and Nancy Boucher. Both winners received a cash prize and a one-day developmental reading of their plays with a professional cast and director.

Speranza Theatre Company presents "In Her Footsteps" - a friendly, immersive theatre experience  (JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Step into history with In Her Footsteps, a fun, family-friendly, immersive theatrical experience that brings great women from the past to life through dynamic performances, multimedia displays, and hands-on activities. Speranza Theatre Company presents In Her Footsteps weekends from March 1-30, 2025 at the Museum of Jersey City History.

Bear Tavern Project presents Rodgers and Hamerstein's Classic Musical "Oklahoma!" at Kelsey Theatre  (WEST WINDSOR, NJ) -- Rodgers and Hamerstein's all-American classic musical "Oklahoma!" sweeps across the plains and onto the Kelsey Theatre stage when the Bear Tavern Project brings the show to life for eight evening and four afternoon performances, March 7-16, 2025 on Mercer County Community College West Windsor Campus.

Luna Stage presents "A Case for the Existence of God" and "Trich" - first time with two plays in rep simultaneously  (WEST ORANGE, NJ) -- For the first time ever, Luna Stage presents two plays simultaneously on its two stages, re-opening Trich in Luna 2 on March 8, while the NY Drama Critics' Circle award-winner for Best Play, A Case for the Existence of God plays through March 16, 2025 on the MainStage. Tickets for both productions are available now.

The Broadway Originals presents "Descendants: The Musical" at HACPAC  (HACKENSACK, NJ) -- The Broadway Originals presents Descendants: The Musical at Hackensack Performing Arts Center (HACPAC) on March 13-14, 2025. Based on the hit Disney Channel movie, this thrilling musical follows the children of iconic Disney villains as they navigate friendship, family, and self-discovery in a world where being good isn’t so bad.

coLAB Arts presents "La Picadura del Escorpión" by Tanaquil Márquez  (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- coLAB Arts presents La Picadura del Escorpión by Tanaquil Márquez from March 14-16, 2025. Directed by Marisol Rosa Shapiro, this work explores the themes of personal struggle, collective healing, and how community is the backbone for our journeys.

The Maplewood Strollers presents "The Colored Museum" by George C. Wolfe  (MAPLEWOOD, NJ) -- The Maplewood Strollers presents The Colored Museum across two weekends (March 14-16 and March 21-22, 2025) at The Burgdorff Center. This critically acclaimed play by George C. Wolfe takes a deep dive into African American identity through a series of engaging sketches and songs.




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Old Library Theatre presents the musical "Rock of Ages"  (FAIR LAWN, NJ) -- Old Library Theatre (OLT) presents the musical, Rock of Ages across two weekends from March 14-23, 2025. Old Library Theatre becomes the Sunset Strip in this new immersive take on the 5 Time TONY Nominated musical! Aqua Net, Lycra, lace, and liquor flow freely at one of the Sunset Strip’s last legendary venues, a place where sex machine Stacee Jaxx takes the stage and scantily clad groupies line up to turn their fantasies into reality.

The Theater Project presents a reading of "Spaghetti Western" by Rosemary Parrillo  (CRANFORD, NJ) -- Is the American Dream really within reach or is it just a state of mind? That's what Olivia Forte wonders in Rosemary Parrillo's Spaghetti Western, to be presented on Saturday, March 15, 2025 as part of The Theater Project's New Play Readings series at Cranford Community Center. Admission is free, with no registration required. The event begins at 2:00pm.

Bergen County Players presents "Things My Mother Taught Me"  (ORADELL, NJ) -- Love, laughter, and a few moving boxes set the stage for Things My Mother Taught Me, a charming, engaging comedy by Katherine DiSavino, presented by Bergen County Players, one of America's longest-running little theater companies. The show opens on Saturday, March 15, and runs through Saturday, April 5, 2025 at the Little Firehouse Theatre in Oradell.

The League of Live Stream Theater offers Stream of sold out "Beckett Briefs"  (NEW YORK, NY) -- After a sold out run in NYC, there are only a limited number of tickets available for an exclusive stream of Beckett Briefs - From the Cradle to the Grave performed by Irish Repertory Theatre. The stream is presented by The League of Live Stream Theater and is available for viewing from March 16-30, 2025.

EVENT LISTINGS

Click on the title to go to the event page for complete information on the show.

Tuesday, March 11, 2025 @ 7:00pm - Live at the Library: What is the Science of Love? at Princeton Public Library, 65 Witherspoon Street, Princeton

Thursday, March 13, 2025 @ 7:00pm - Purlie at Hamilton Stage at Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC), 360 Hamilton Avenue, Rahway

Friday, March 14, 2025 @ 7:00pm - Purlie at Hamilton Stage at Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC), 360 Hamilton Avenue, Rahway

Friday, March 14, 2025 @ 7:00pm - Beautiful, The Carole King Musical at Axelrod Performing Arts Center, 100 Grant Avenue, Deal Park

Friday, March 14, 2025 @ 7:30pm - Amadeus at Grunin Center - Black Box Theater, 1 College Drive, Toms River

Saturday, March 15, 2025 @ 1:00pm - The Metropolitan Opera: Live in HD - Fidelio at Monmouth University - Pollak Theatre, 400 Cedar Avenue, West Long Branch

Saturday, March 15, 2025 @ 2:00pm - Amadeus at Grunin Center - Black Box Theater, 1 College Drive, Toms River

Saturday, March 15, 2025 @ 2:00pm - Beautiful, The Carole King Musical at Axelrod Performing Arts Center, 100 Grant Avenue, Deal Park

Saturday, March 15, 2025 @ 7:00pm - Purlie at Hamilton Stage at Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC), 360 Hamilton Avenue, Rahway

Saturday, March 15, 2025 @ 7:00pm - Beautiful, The Carole King Musical at Axelrod Performing Arts Center, 100 Grant Avenue, Deal Park

Saturday, March 15, 2025 @ 7:30pm - Amadeus at Grunin Center - Black Box Theater, 1 College Drive, Toms River

Sunday, March 16, 2025 @ 2:00pm - Purlie at Hamilton Stage at Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC), 360 Hamilton Avenue, Rahway

Sunday, March 16, 2025 @ 2:00pm - Amadeus at Grunin Center - Black Box Theater, 1 College Drive, Toms River

Sunday, March 16, 2025 @ 3:00pm - Beautiful, The Carole King Musical at Axelrod Performing Arts Center, 100 Grant Avenue, Deal Park




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COMING SOON

George Street Playhouse presents "King James"  (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- George Street Playhouse presents King James from March 18 through April 7, 2025. Written by Pulitzer Prize finalist playwright Rajiv Joseph (Bengal Tiger at the Baghdad Zoo), the production is directed by Ryan George (GSP's The Club). King James is a funny and heartfelt look at loyalty, ambition, and celebrates the connections that keep us going.

Tickets Now on Sale for United Solo's Spring 2025 Festival  (NEW YORK, NY) -- United Solo's Spring 2025 Festival brings a lineup of dynamic performances from around the world to Theatre Row, running from March 18 through April 20.

Players Guild of Leonia presents "The Normal Heart"  (LEONIA, NJ) -- The Players Guild of Leonia presents The Normal Heart by Larry Kramer weekends from March 21 through April 6, 2025. Larry Kramer's largely autobiographical play depicts the rise of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in New York City from 1981–1984. The production is directed by Claudia MacDermott.

New Jersey Theatre Alliance to Hold the 2025 Combined Auditions March 24-25  (HILLSIDE, NJ) -- New Jersey Theatre Alliance (NJTA), the service organization for the state and region’s 42 professional theatres, will hold auditions in Enlow Recital Hall on the campus of Kean University in Hillside, NJ on Monday, March 24, 2025 from 10:00am-5:00pm for Equity performers, and Tuesday, March 25, 2025 from 10:00am-5:00pm for Non-Equity performers. This is a fantastic opportunity to be seen by multiple theatres at once. Representatives from their member theatres will follow up with actors directly if they are interested in working with them.

RVCC presents "Bars, Apartments and Batman" - A Performing Arts Showcase featuring One-Acts and Extended Scenes  (BRANCHBURG, NJ) -- Raritan Valley Community College's Arts & Design department will stage a Performing Arts Showcase, Bars, Apartments and Batman, March 26-28, 2025 at 7:00pm each night. The showcase, which is free of charge and open to the public, will be presented in the Welpe Theatre at the College's Branchburg campus.

Algonquin Arts Theatre presents "Footloose"  (MANASQUAN, NJ) -- Algonquin Arts Theatre is proud to announce the cast and creative team for its latest musical, Footloose. This sold-out show will run eight performances March 28-April 6, 2025. This explosive musical, based on the beloved '80s film, is set to take your breath away with its infectious energy and a story that will have you cheering for freedom!

WHATCo presents "Class of 2005: A Killer Reunion" for their annual murder mystery fundraiser  (KEARNY, NJ) -- The West Hudson Arts & Theater Company (WHATCo) annual murder mystery dinner theater experience returns with the original production of Class of 2005: A Killer Reunion, once again written by award-winning local playwright and author Allyssa Hynes. This year performances of this annual WHATCo fundraiser are Friday & Saturday, March 28 and 29 at the American Legion Post 99 (314 Belgrove Drive) in Kearny.

Growing Stage presents the World Premiere of "Her Beautiful Sound"  (NETCONG, NJ) -- The Growing Stage: The Children's Theatre of New Jersey is thrilled to present the world premiere of Her Beautiful Sound by Cris Eli Blak weekends from March 28 - April 6, 2025. This is the 2024 winner of their New Play-Reading Festival and tells the story about a family of three women who hold each other up, see each other, and remind each other of the power within their spirits.

State Theatre New Jersey presents "Dear Evan Hansen"  (NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey presents the North American tour of the Tony® and Grammy®-winning Best Musical sensation, Dear Evan Hansen for five performances from March 28-30, 2025. Evan is a high school student who always feels like he's on the outside looking in.

Gateway Playhouse to hold auditions for "South Pacific"  (SOMERS POINT, NJ) -- Gateway Playhouse in Somers Point will hold auditions for its first musical of 2025, South Pacific, by Richard Rodgers and Oscar Hammerstein II. Artistic Director Phil Pallitto welcomes all to try out, as he looks to fill the musical with an exciting diverse cast. Auditions will take place March 29 and April 2, at the Gateway.

FEATURED EVENTS

ART | COMEDY | DANCE | FILM | MUSIC | THEATRE | COMMUNITY

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Purlie

Purlie

Thursday, March 13, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Hamilton Stage at Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC)
360 Hamilton Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065
category: theatre


 

Purlie

Purlie

Friday, March 14, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Hamilton Stage at Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC)
360 Hamilton Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065
category: theatre


 

Amadeus

Amadeus

Friday, March 14, 2025 @ 7:30pm
Grunin Center - Black Box Theater
1 College Drive, Toms River, NJ 08754
category: theatre


 

Beautiful,

Beautiful, The Carole King Musical

Friday, March 14, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Axelrod Performing Arts Center
100 Grant Avenue, Deal Park, NJ 07723
category: theatre


 

Purlie

Purlie

Saturday, March 15, 2025 @ 7:00pm
Hamilton Stage at Union County Performing Arts Center (UCPAC)
360 Hamilton Avenue, Rahway, NJ 07065
category: theatre


 

EVENT PREVIEWS

Mainland

Mainland Regional High School presents "Hello, Dolly!"

(LINWOOD, NJ) -- Mainland Regional High School presents its spring musical, Hello, Dolly!, a dazzling Broadway classic, with four performances from March 20-22, 2025. Filled with lively dance numbers, stunning costumes, and unforgettable music, Hello, Dolly! is a heartwarming tale of love, adventure, and the pursuit of happiness.



Laura

Laura Ekstrand Talks About An Evening of Short Plays (All Written In Last 3 Months)

Vivid Stage is presenting An Evening of Short Plays across two weekends (April 3-13, 2025) where the plays are not just new short plays they are all plays written in the last three months. The idea is to capture the pulse of the moment through the eyes of seven gifted playwrights.



Jersey

Jersey City Theater Center and Motherfather Productions present "Crimes of the Heart"

(JERSEY CITY, NJ) -- Jersey City Theater Center and Motherfather Productions present a raw and imaginative exploration of Crimes of the Heart - Beth Henley's Pulitzer Prize-winning play about the family drama of the Magrath sisters. Performances take place across two weekends from March 21-30, 2025.



STOMP

STOMP returns to MPAC in April

(MORRISTOWN, NJ) -- STOMP, the international percussion sensation, returns to Mayo Performing Arts Center (MPAC) for three performances only, Saturday-Sunday, April 5-6, 2025. From its beginnings as a street performance in the UK, STOMP has grown into an international sensation over the past 29 years, having performed in more than 50 countries and in front of more than 26 million people.



Broadway

Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents "Jersey Boys"

(PITMAN, NJ) -- Broadway Theatre of Pitman presents Jersey Boys weekends from March 7-30, 2025. With phenomenal music, memorable characters, and great storytelling, Jersey Boys follows the fascinating evolution of four blue-collar kids who became one of the greatest successes in pop-music history.